A lay speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries.  An applicant must be active in the support of the local church or charge. [Paragraph 270 of the Discipline ]
     The lay speaker should be ready to undertake one of more of the following functions. 
          1) To take initiative in giving leadership, assistance, and support to the program emphases of the church. 
          2) To lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion when requested by the pastor, D.S., or the committee on lay speaking. 
          3) To conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship, and present sermons and addresses when requested by the pastor, D.S., or committee on lay speaking. 
          4) To relate to appropriate committees and ministry areas in providing leadership for congregational and community life and fostering caregiving ministires.